Question 1

Rule 22 specifies minimum ranges of visibility for navigation lights, scaled by vessel length. What is the general principle behind this scaling?

Accepted Answer

Larger vessels are required to show lights visible over greater minimum ranges (e.g. masthead lights on vessels of 50m or more must be visible for 6 nautical miles, versus shorter ranges for smaller vessels) — reflecting that larger vessels typically need to be detected and assessed from further away given their greater manoeuvring constraints Rule 22 sets minimum light visibility ranges that increase with vessel length — larger, less manoeuvrable vessels benefit from being detectable at greater range, giving other vessels more time to assess and react.

Question 2

Rule 5 (Look-out) requires every vessel at all times to maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing, as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions — and this duty applies even when the vessel is at anchor in a busy anchorage.

Accepted Answer

True True. Rule 5 applies 'at all times' and to 'every vessel'. A vessel at anchor in a busy anchorage still needs an effective look-out to detect drifting vessels, dragging anchors, or approaching traffic that may pose a risk of collision or contact.

Question 3

Under Rule 6 (Safe Speed), a vessel fitted with a fully operational radar and ARPA never needs to reduce speed in restricted visibility, because the equipment guarantees early detection of other vessels.

Accepted Answer

False False. Rule 6 explicitly lists radar capability as one factor to consider, but also requires accounting for the state of visibility, traffic density, manoeuvrability, and the limitations of radar (range scale, sea/rain clutter, blind sectors). Even a vessel with excellent radar must proceed at a speed that allows proper and effective action to avoid collision and to be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances.